Cut of the Day: "Wizard Staff," Wampire

Portland’s favorite slackers-turned-indie-stars (and part-time pancake chefs) just dropped a new song. It’s called “Wizard Staff,” and it’s the first single off their upcoming second album, Bazaar

Wampire has come a long way from the days when Rocky Tinder and Eric Phipps played sloppy basement shows to iPod backing tracks, somehow always ending up in their underwear. After cleaning up its act and releasing an excellent debut, 2013's Curiosity, the band recruited a team of ace backing musicians and embarked on a grueling 12 months of touring with bands like Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Foxygen. As soon as they got home, Tinder and Phipps began work on their follow-up.

Bazaar was recorded in Brooklyn with producer Jacob Portrait (Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Blouse) and drummer Thomas Hoganson, who backed Wampire on tour. If "Wizard Staff" is any indication, the album looks to expand on the band's hazy, surreal psych-pop jams while retaining the goofy sense of fun they've had since the beginning. With its laid-back guitar jangle and touches of smooth sax, the single is out just in time for the lazy last days of summer.

Bazaar is out 10/7 on Polyvinyl. 

WWeek 2015

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